Essential Kids' Shoe Fitting Tips

Fitting Day: Practical Steps for a Better Try-On

Knowing what a good fit looks like is one thing; getting an accurate result when your child is wriggling, tired or eager to leave is another. A few small habits on fitting day make a noticeable difference.

Time it right

Feet swell slightly over the course of the day, especially after active play. Measuring and trying on shoes in the late afternoon gives a more realistic picture of the size your child needs once they are running around. Bring the socks they normally wear, too. A thick winter sock and a thin summer one can change the fit by enough to matter.

Measure both feet, standing up

It is very common for one foot to be a little longer or wider than the other. Always fit to the larger foot. Have your child stand with their weight evenly spread rather than sitting, because the foot lengthens and spreads under load. If you measure at home, trace around each foot on paper with a pencil held upright, then measure from heel to longest toe. Our size guide explains how to convert that measurement into a shoe size.

Check the shoe as well as the foot

• Heel grip: the heel should stay in place when your child walks. A little movement is fine, but if the shoe slips off with each step it is too big or the fastening is too loose.
• Flex point: the sole should bend where the toes bend, not in the middle of the arch.
• Fastenings: hook-and-loop straps make it easier for younger children to put shoes on properly by themselves, and they also let you adjust for narrow or high-volume feet.
• Inside seams: run your fingers around the inside to feel for rough stitching or hard edges that could rub.

Watch them walk

Children often say a shoe is fine because they like the colour. Instead of relying on their answer, watch them walk and run a few steps. Look for limping, toes curling, or feet slipping. Once you are home, keep new shoes on indoor surfaces for the first wear so they stay in returnable condition. Check the shipping and returns details before heading outside in them.

If your child has ongoing pain, an unusual walking pattern or feet that turn noticeably inward or outward, it is worth asking a paediatrician or podiatrist for advice rather than relying on shoe choice alone.